So, according to Eater Chicago, celeb chef Graham Elliot put the word out to his staff at g.e.b. "not to allow (Steve) Dolinsky to eat there." When the acclaimed food writer and television personality showed up for lunch Thursday, he was kicked out after the third course. KICKED OUT.

Dirk Flanigan reflected fondly Wednesday night over the dish he believes nailed him the job as executive chef at The Gage:

"When I was auditioning at (owner) Billy Lawless' house, I made basil escargot with goat cheese risotto," he said. "I truly believe this was the dish that got me the job."

Five years later finds the creamy and decadent appetizer back on the menu in time for the award-winning Loop restaurant's anniversary celebration. And through July 12, guests will be able to order it as well as a number of specially priced a la carte dishes and libations.

The Gage's lamb chops done two ways: grilled and in a stew Vindaloo.

During the two-week promotion, they're also serving up commemorative beverages that are each priced at $5. Highlights include The Gage Single Barrel 9-Year Bourbon and Goose Island Luciana—a smoky, Belgian double created annually in collaboration with Goose Island Brew Master Jared Rouben.

"Contestants will have 60 minutes to put away a 6-pound shrimp Po'Boy, a pound of fries and a 32-ounce drink. Each time a guest fails to complete the Po'Boy Challenge, Phil's Last Stand adds $100 to the winner's pot: the last successful eater walked away with $1,000 on top of a $50 gift card, a T-shirt and, most notably, his name engraved on the coveted winner's plaque."

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The Dish:

Audarshia Townsend's introduction to the online world began as one of the first two editors at metromix.com--where they set the tone for the entertainment site's cutting-edge style. She also has written lifestyle features for the Chicago Tribune, Essence, Los Angeles Times, Michigan Avenue, about.com, playboy.com, Huffington Post, DiningChicago.com, World's Best Bars and Upscale magazine. Additionally, she has appeared regularly on CLTV, WGN-TV and WCIU-TV's "You & Me This Morning" for cocktail-, dining- and nightlife-related features. In 2007, Audarshia launched 312DiningDiva.com, a daily dining-and-drinking blog keeping readers up to date on Chicago happenings. Her interests include staying fit with a regular Forrest Yoga practice, cycling in the city, and Flywheel Chicago classes.